NPS photo, G. Etter The boardwalk portion of the Gambrill Mill trail was temporarily closed to allow for construction of a new boardwalk. The closure began March 30 and lasted until July 21, 2020. The grass portion of the trail that provides access to the river remained open during construction. The new boardwalk improved visitor access to the river overlook and access point. The new design complies with the 2008 Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The existing boardwalk was constructed in 2003 and predates the ABA. The wider deck will better accommodate wheelchairs and two-way traffic. In addition to improving access, the redesign addressed impacts to the boardwalk from recent flooding of the Monocacy River. The new design raised the deck by a foot and rerouted it away from stream and river banks. The boardwalk closed nine times in 2018 and 2019 due to flooding. In addition to eroding stream banks, flooding deposits mud and debris on the boardwalk creating unsafe conditions. The Gambrill Mill boardwalk was constructed in 2003 as part of a half-mile loop trail, the first trail established in the park. The trail includes interpretive waysides and provides scenic views of the Monocacy River. The trail is located in the Gambrill Mill area of Monocacy National Battlefield and receives heavy use. The closure was the final stage in a multi-year project to improve access to the Gambrill Mill trail. |
Last updated: November 10, 2020